'So much variety': New accessible coastal hiking trail along North Shore of Lake Huron
After two years of hard work in the Town of Thessalon, a new eight-kilometre accessible wilderness trail with views of Lake Huron has officially opened.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony with more than 100 people in attendance was held Saturday at the Thessalon Coastal Trail, located about an hour's drive east from Sault Ste. Marie.
Ribbon cutting at Thessalon Coastal Trail. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
"Thessalon Coastal Trail offers something for everyone. For the hardy, seasoned hiker the entire return 8km wilderness trail will give you the workout you are looking for," the town said in a news release.
"Want to check out migrating waterfowl or herons fishing? Many birding spots to be had. Just out for a short walk in your running shoes, pick from several loops to hike. Mobility challenged? No problem – the crushed gravel accessible trail is ready for you."
Jordan Bird is the town's deputy mayor and trail's team leader who spoke about his vision for the project.
Thessalon Coastal Trail map. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
"In 2020, during the pandemic, my family had to travel north of Sault Ste. Marie or several hours’ drive to Manitoulin to partake in coastal hiking," Bird is quoted as saying in the news release.
"I started poking around in our own community and came across this hidden gem. Fast forward after two years of grant applications and many meetings and hours of trail creation, we can now hike in our own backyard. I am so proud of our trails team’s accomplishments and look forward to exploring expansion down the line."
- Download the CTV News app now
- Get local breaking news alerts
- Daily newsletter with the top local stories emailed to your inbox
The trail features floating walkways and crushed gravel along with red Muskoka chairs for a break to enjoy the view.
Hiker sits in red Muskoka chair on Thessalon Coastal Trail enjoying the view of the shores of Lake Huron. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
The walkways extend to small islands to provide "world-class views of Thessalon and Lake Huron."
Guided tours were held on opening day.
"The trail had so much variety," one hiker is quoted as saying in the news release.
Red Muskoka chairs give hikers a break to enjoy the views of the marshland on the Thessalon Coastal Trail. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
"One minute we are walking along the granite rocks and watching the North Channel waves then we dip into the quiet pine forest. Loved it. We will be back."
A volunteer group called 'Friends of the Thessalon Coastal Trail' has been created to maintain the trails and fundraise for "enhancements like benches and bird blinds."
Hikers enjoy views from shores of Lake Huron on new Thessalon Coastal Trail. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
Hikers gather at Thessalon Coastal Trail map on opening day. April 20, 2024 (Town of Thessalon)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.